Oficina dos Baixinhos

Apesar da leaks que foram surgindo nos últimos dias, já era expectável que o anúncio de uma nova geração do Mindstorms seria algures este ano. 

A história assim o indicava. O primeiro (RCX) apareceu em 1998. Depois de algumas actualizações a segunda geração (NXT) apareceu em 2006 e que teve também direito a uma grande actualização em 2009. A última geração (EV3) teve o seu anúncio em 2013 e, pelo que me lembro, não teve direito a versão 2.0 como as anteriores. Portanto ciclos de 7-8 anos.

Tive versões 2.0 dos dois primeiros e trabalhei com todos eles. A nível pessoal, explorei imenso o RCX já que na altura estava ligado academicamente à inteligência artificial. Depois esse interesse foi esmorecendo e usei tanto o NXT como o EV3 apenas em contexto escolar.

É nessa faceta que se localiza o meu interesse neste novo sistema da LEGO.

Segue-se o habitual press release dando depois lugar a algumas opiniões pela minha parte.

New LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Robot Inventor lets creators build and bring to life anything they can imagine.

• Builders can create and code one of five personality-packed robots or dream-up and build their own creations
• Robot Inventor uses drag-and-drop coding language based on Scratch as well as Python to support those new to robotics
• Over 50 new challenges and fun activities to help all abilities build coding confidence in a fun, exciting way

EMBARGOED UNTIL June 12^th 14:00PM CEST - Billund: Today, the LEGO Group has announced the first addition to the much-loved LEGO® MINDSTORMS® theme in seven years. The new LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor 5-in-1 set unleashes a new world of fun, creative coding possibilities and provides the ultimate playful learning experience for young inventors and creators.

For over two decades, LEGO MINDSTORMS has inspired those of all ages to test and build their confidence with technology through play. By combining the LEGO building system with robotic and coding elements, builders can create anything they can imagine, while developing the STEM skills that 7 in 10 parents say are essential to their child’s future success[1].

This latest evolution of the much-loved theme continues this commitment to helping children develop STEM skills in a fun and exciting way at home. The new LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor 5-in-1 model gives builders aged 10+ the power to bring one of the set’s five unique designs to life or take their own builds to the next level by programming them to walk, talk, think and do more than ever before. Kids can also code their own remote-control features for the models in the LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor app or connect their own controllers to the app using Bluetooth.

From your new sidekick Charlie to action hero Blast, the five personality-packed bots or new intelligent creations can be easily controlled remotely using the LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor app. The app is also packed with over 50 fun coding challenges and awesome activities to help those of all abilities build coding confidence. The app uses drag-and-drop coding language based on Scratch to support those getting into coding for the first time, as well as Python for advanced coders looking for new challenges.

Packed with 949 pieces and new LEGO Powered UP components, the LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor will be available in early Q4 2020 from LEGO.com, LEGO Retail Stores and retailers globally. The LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor 5-in1 set will be priced at £329.99/$359.99/€359.99 and includes digital building and coding instructions for these five unique robots:

• Blast – this master robot is a stoic action hero. It can fire or hammer its way through obstacles and grab items. Builders can be the ultimate commanders, programming it to scan its environment and fire darts if it senses danger. Perfect for guarding your room!
• Charlie – this quirky sidekick helper can give out high fives, dance, play the drums, deliver small gifts, and charm friends with its smile.
• Tricky – the sporty bot is the ultimate athlete. Code it to complete the perfect slam dunk or master a plethora of robot sports: basketball, bowling or soccer – the list goes on and on.
• Gelo – a real life four-legged robot. Its unique mechanism means it can walk, avoid obstacles, and even perform tricks.
• V.P. – The Modular Vehicle Platform gets the job done. Create and code your own remote control and build the M.V.P. into a buggy, a crane, a shooter turret or even a brick-eating truck to pick up LEGO bricks left by the other robots.

Lena Dixen, Head of Product and Marketing Development at the LEGO Group, commented: “Since the launch of LEGO MINDSTORMS over 20 years ago, we’ve been committed to helping children and adults develop STEM skills through play. We are extremely excited to introduce a new MINDSTORMS product that offers even more creative opportunities for those of all ages, and we thank our fans for continuing to show us what is possible with LEGO MINDSTORMS. We are continually inspired by the creations the community share with us and hope that the LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor inspires many more children and playful adults to explore the exciting world of robotics and coding.”

LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Robot Inventor (51515)

The LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Robot Inventor Kit is intended for builders and coders ages 10+ to discover and expand on their STEM skills at home.

• 949 pieces
• 5 unique models to build and code
• The largest robot Blast stands at over 14” (36 cm) tall
• The free LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Robot Inventor coding app for kids uses coding language based on Scratch and supports Python for more advanced coders.
• The application works across PC Windows 10 + macOS, iOS and Android tablets and smartphones as well as specific Fire OS devices. Please see updated list at lego.com/devicecheck
• New elements include:
  • The new Intelligent Hub is an advanced yet simple-to-use device featuring 6 input/output ports for connecting a variety of sensors and motors. The Hub can also be used with LEGO Technic and System elements to create fun robots, dynamic devices and other interactive models.
    • LED 5x5 matrix
    • Bluetooth connectivity
    • 6 axis gyro/accelerometer
    • Includes a micro USB port for connectivity with compatible devices
    • Speaker
    • Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery included
  • Colour sensor – able to distinguish between eight colors and measures reflected and ambient light from darkness to bright sunlight
  • Distance sensor – detects obstacles, programmable LED ‘eyes’ and an integrated 6-pin adaptor for third-party sensors, boards and DIY hardware.
  • 4 x medium-angular motors feature low-profile design, integrated rotation sensor with absolute positioning
  • New 7 x 11 teal baseplate
  • New black wheels
  • New frames

[1] LEGO Play Well Report, 2018

A minha grande pergunta é mesmo: este set tem um tijolo inteligente como as gerações anteriores ou é apenas um hub estando o processamentos dos programas a cargo da app no telemóvel/tablet/pc?

Tendo em conta as limitações da segunda hipótese, fico extremamente céptico se foi essa a opção tomada.

De qualquer forma todo o sistema é bastante atraente com 5 propostas de construção bem engraçadas que, com certeza, cativarão bastante os mais novos. O que me leva a uma segunda pergunta: Será que com os desenvolvimentos 18+ não irá haver uma versão para adultos?

Acredito que não deve tardar a aparecerem reviews e construções alternativas por parte dos AFOLs parceiros da iniciativa, aí poderei ter uma opinião mais segura sobre este novo sistema. Que, confesso, estou mortinho para experimentar.

edit:

Entretanto já soube que o hub deste Mindstorms é semelhante ao do Spike (conjunto 45678) o que permite tanto a execução dos programas via Bluetooth (como o Boost) como a execução no próprio brick inteligente (como o EV3). Portanto, boas notícias!

Dale Harris continua com o seu projecto Neo-Fabuland com mais este simpático café da gata Catarina. A construção pode ser digital mas está recheada de deliciosos pormenores, tanto no exterior como no interior.

Mas há que também referir a utilização do amarelo, azul e vermelho clássicos, cores que cada vez se vêem menos tanto em MOCs como sets LEGO.

Mais uma fabulosa construção para a edição deste ano do Biocup, desta vez da autoria do Leonid An. Além da sereia, reparem no barco, no fundo, na vegetação e fauna que até possui peças do tal mal afamado tema LEGO do início do século.